Why Dock

The docking of dogs tails is a practice which has been carried out in over 50 breeds for centuries in order to avoid tail damage, for hygiene and other reasons. However in recent years Tail Docking become an emotive issue for some who don't agree.

Dog breeders, owners and many veterinary surgeons believe that if docking ceased, dogs would suffer. It is a perfectly humane procedure when properly carried out, and one, which prevents far more distress than it causes. It is, like neutering, simply a practical animal management technique which should remain available to dog breeders and owners.A number of gundog breeds hunt game through heavy vegetation and thick brambles, where their fast tail action can easily lead to torn and bleeding tails which are painful and extremely difficult to treat. Docking the end of the tail eliminates the risk of injury. Terriers are docked for the same reason. In addition, terriers which are bred to hunt below ground for purposes such as fox control, have their tails docked to a length which is more practical when working in a confined space. Other non-working breeds which have an enthusiastic tail action, are also liable to damage their tails, even in the homeLong haired, thick coated breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier and Old English Sheepdog are docked to avoid the hair around the base of the tail becoming fouled by faeces. Even with constant grooming and washing, such fouling is unpleasant. If allowed to get out of hand, it can lead to severe problems of hygiene, or even flystrike and subsequent infestation by maggots. Hygiene problems can be greatly reduced or eliminated altogether by dockingBreeds which have been docked over many generations have been selected for specific qualities of build and conformation, but not for tail length, shape or carriage. If left undocked, it is unlikely that the best dogs would carry good tails. In seeking to maintain the quality of the breeds, breeders would therefore be left with a diminished number of suitable sires and dams. The genetic pool would be reduced, greatly increasing the risk of hereditary diseases taking hold. Some breeds could even disappear for everFrom the Council of Docked Breeds (UK).

Dog Owners Stories

The following ar real life stories shared with NZCDB by people from all walks of life, some you will see have always believe in the need to continue docking, others have come to this conclusion through their own experince with tail injured dogs. We include these stories in hope that you will take time to read them and make an informed choice regarding the Freedom of Choiceto dock or not to dock your next dog.

We encourage all dog owners to send us ture stories in effort to help educate, with real life facts and experiences.